Problems With Early Production 5-speed Automatic Transmission on Ford Explorer

Various problems with the 5-speed automatic transmission were common. These problems can be more common on the 2002 models with build dates before March, 2002. There are many service bulletins describing the diagnoses and repairs, which include fluid leak repairs, transmission software updates, or internal failures requiring a costly repair.

Stopped at a red light, took off when the light turned green and the drive stopped working. Still have reverse but no drive. I've never seen a transmission just all of a sudden stop working while you were driving, there's usually some symptoms or slipping before it goes out. There were no signs at all that the transmission was having problems it just stopped working while I was driving down the road..

When I give it gas doesn't catch for nxt gear it slips the rpm Gage Revs All the up to while the mph gage stays in the Same Position not accelerating in mph unless I take my foot off completely n rpm drops n then catchs

Have owned this 2002 Explorer Ltd V8 since new and hands down the best vehicle I ever had. Recently the 5 speed French built auto transmission has developed a hard shift between 3rd and 4th speed and maybe a little gap between 4th and 5th. Afraid to take it to the Ford dealer suspicious that they will take the easy and most profitable way out by forgoing the diagnosis and recommending a complete trans overhaul. Sorry but I've been there before. Does anyone have a suggestion as to a common reason for this problem and/or some things to check out before I spend the total value of the car on a tranny overhaul? It runs great as usual except for this relatively recent problem.

Transmission failed at 160,000 miles. For about 20,000 miles before that the O/D light would flash occasionally on road trips and the trans would skip straight from 1st to 3rd gear. The 4.0 V6 engine also had to be replaced at 180,000 because of a bad crank shaft bearing. The oil had always been changed at 5000 mile intervals and never run low. The transmission is evidently a particularly common problem.

When I give it gas doesn't catch for nxt gear it slips the rpm Gage Revs All the up to while the mph gage stays in the Same Position not accelerating in mph unless I take my foot off completely n rpm drops n then catchs. Now I only have 2nd gear and told repair bill $2500!

Hard shifting into 2nd & 3rd. Shop says it will need new transmission but it may still last awhile. Have driven vehicle 50,000 mi. since shop diagnosis. Had similar issue when vehicle was new and dealer re-programmed computer and problem was solved at that time.

...unctioning, period. In my past I have had a number of other vehicles eventually have automatic transmission problems that would end up needing a major rebuild-repair or replacement. In all of these previous ve...